THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN TRAUMATIC LIFE EXPERIENCES AND MALADAPTIVE DAYDREAMING IN EMERGING ADULTS

Abstract

Objectives: The current study set out to look into the relationship between
maladaptive daydreaming and traumatic life experiences. Emerging adults.
Design of the Study: Correlational Survey design/comparative study
Place and Duration of the Study: Karachi from November 2023 to February
2024
Sample and Method: The sample consisted of 310 Emerging adults ages 18 – 25
(Female =222 & Males = 88) selected through purposive convenient sampling
from various universities and other settings. Three scales were used to assess
Traumatic experiences, Defense styles and maladaptive daydreaming. Traumatic
Experiences Checklist TEC, Maladaptive daydreaming scale MDS and Defense
Mechanisms Rating Scale DMRS- 30. The data was collected in-person and was
analyzed through IBM SPSS version 22.
Results and Conclusion: The results of the analysis revealed that there is a
significant positive relationship of Traumatic life experiences with maladaptive
daydreaming and defense mechanisms. These findings highlight the need for
customized therapies and support programs that concentrate on awareness
and processing of traumatic memories by providing a platform to confront
repressed pain. The main implication of the study is to add to the body of
knowledge about the mechanism of maladaptive daydreaming which is a growing
construct at an alarming rate in Pakistan.